Esther: For Such a Time as This

Introduction:

(1)    Esther’s name means “star” (original name was Hadassah – “myrtle”).

(2)    This book is unique:

(a)    No direct mention of God.

(b)    Story is read each year at the Feast of Purim.

(3)    Let us note 2 main points throughout the story:

(a)    God’s providence

(b)    Man’s courage

Discussion:

A.    Exit Queen Vashti, Enter Queen Esther

1. 180 day banquet, Queen refused to come and show off for the King Ahasuerus
2. Selection of new queen – Esther

a.       Raised by Mordecai after parents died.

b.      Very beautiful and stood up (God’s hand here)

B.     Mordecai hears of the plot of Bigthan and Teresh and tells Esther and this is written down in the chronicles of the King (Est. 2.21-23).

C.     Enter Haman, OT Adolf Hitler

1. Begins to hate Mordecai and hence all Jews because Mordecai refused to bow down before him (Est. 3.1ff.).
2. Tricks the king into getting his signet ring in order to kill the Jews

D.    Standing in the Gap

1. Mordecai hears of plan and tells Esther
2. He tells Esther:

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?" (Esther 4.13-14)

1. Esther agrees to approach the king despite the costly risks (cf. Esth 4.9-12, 15-16).

E.     The plan:

1. Esther approaches the king and he holds up the gold scepter (Est. 5.1ff.).
2. She requested that the King and Haman come to a banquet only to ask them to return the next day for another banquet.
3. As Haman returns home, he sees Mordecai and gets upset and went home to build a 75 foot gallow.
4. That night, the king could not sleep and read from the chronicles and came across what Mordecai had done for him and gets Haman to lead him through the city with his robe, horse, and crown.
5. At the second banquet, Esther reveals the plan.
6. The King has Haman impaled on his 75 foot gallow and then makes a second edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Lessons:

1.      God is at work – Rom. 8.28:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love

God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

2.      God can use you where you are – “For such a time like this”

3.      Courage is a chief characteristic of God’s people.

4.      Hatred is sinful and all consuming.

5.      You reap what you sow (Gal. 6.7).

6.      God’s people will stand victorious in the end!

Conclusion:

(1)    God has great plans for your life.

(2)    Will you allow Him to work through you?